Prepzone Hardcourt Preview 2017

CENTRAL VALLEYBOYS
HIGH PLAINSBOYS
If the Central Valley boy’s
basketball squad plans on making
some noise during the 2017-18
campaign, some new faces are
going to have to shine for the
Cougars.
Only one starter returns for Central
Valley from last year’s 7-16 team,
and a new face will be on the
sidelines, as well.
Riley Bonifas takes the reins
as head coach, and will look to
rely heavily on his only player
with starting experience, Noah
Nekoliczak.
Bonfias said development will be
key for his group as they look to
compete in Class D-1.
“In order to be successful, our
younger kids will have to develop
quickly and be able to make
contributions, especially late in
the season,” Bonifas said. “Our
upperclassmen will also have to be
able to make adjustments and learn
our new coaching philosophy. Our
goal is to play our best basketball
by conference time and try to build
some momentum heading into
district play.”
The season will get underway for
the Cougars on Nov. 20 against
Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family.
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Cougars
Class: D-1
2016-17 Record: 7-16
Playoff Appearances: 20
Head Coach: Riley Bonifas
Career Record: 7-16
The 2016-17 campaign for the
High Plains boy’s basketball
squad didn’t go according to
plan, as the group finished the
season with a 3-16 record.
However, the Storm will now
have some familiarity with their
head coach, as Tom Hofmann
enters his second season at the
helm of the program.
Another reason for optimism
are the three returning starters
who will be back on the court
for High Plains come early
December.
Sophomore point guard Keaton
Van Housen, who averaged 9.8
points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1 steal
a game last year, will look to
lead the charge for the Storm.
Senior guard Tanner Parsons,
who averaged 3.6 points a
contest last season, as well as
senior center Bo Dittmar will
also be key players for High
Plains.
When asked what the keys to a
winning season are, Hofmann
laid out his recipe for success,
saying his squad needs to
limit turnovers, slow the game
down, make free throws,
rebound, and stay out of foul
trouble.
The season will tip off for
High Plains on Dec. 1 against
Giltner.
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Storm
Class: D-1
2016-17 Record: 3-16
Playoff Appearances: 5
Head Coach: Tom Hofmann
608 Howard Ave, St Paul, NE 68873
308-754-4611
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HIGH PLAINSGIRLS
The 2016-17 season was a
difficult one for the High Plains
girl’s basketball team. The group
finished 2-17 on the season, and
struggled to find consistency on
either side of the ball.
However, the 2017-18 campaign
brings a new opportunity to find
success under head coach Greg
Wood.
High Plains has a core group of
athletes returning, including five
seniors.
Among that group are Cara
Demers, Aylse Carlson, Doreli
Marino, Emily McNaught, and
Madie Young, who averaged
13.7 points a contest as a junior.
There is also a group of upand-coming
players to keep an
eye on, including sophomores
Justice Majerous, Cassidy
Rieken, and Hannah Tonniges.
When asked about the keys
to success for High Plains,
Wood laid out his recipe for an
improved season.
“We have to play more
consistent, younger girls are
going to have to contribute
more, and we need our seniors
to step up and lead this season,”
he said.
High Plains will tip off the
season on Dec. 1 against Giltner.
TEAM FACTS
Team Name: Storm
Class: D-1
2016-17 Record: 2-17
Head Coach: Greg Wood
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